Christians have been targeted by extremist Muslim leaders in Indonesia after rumors spread that believers were conducting a mass baptism.

Hard-line Islamic leaders have called on mosques to create a youth guard that will be used to intimidate anyone who tries to convert Muslims to Christianity.

"We're doing this because we want to strike fear in the hearts of Christians who behave in such a way," said Murhali Barda, who heads the local chapter of the Islamic Defenders Front. The group has been pushing for the implementation of Islamic-based laws in Bekasi and other parts of the archipelagic nation.

"If they refuse to stop what they're doing, we're ready to fight," Barda warned.

Although Indonesia has more Muslims than any other country in the world, it has a history of religious tolerance. However, extremist groups have become more common in recent years.

So far, the Indonesian government has kept quiet on the issue.